THE RAT population in Bracknell has soared during lockdown, now meaning there are more than two rats per person in the borough.

The statistics were revealed earlier this week, detailing that estimates show there are 110,769 rats within the Bracknell Forest area - making the rat population of Bracknell 25% larger than it was in 2019.

Pest.co.uk, a local pest control company, believes the increase is due to urban areas being unusually quiet, as well as an increase in poorly managed waste food.

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The company also detailed some methods of preventing an infestation during the winter months, where the rodents seek to find a warm home - this includes blocking up holes in brickwork, sheds, cellars and attics, clearing unused cupboards of bags, clothes and rags, securing all food sources and tidying away crumbs, and to prepare rat traps and poison.

Jenny Rathbone from Pest.co.uk, said: “They say you are only ever 6ft away from a rat – and in typical 2020 fashion it’s now more likely in Bracknell than ever this year!

“We are seeing a huge increase in rat problems throughout Bracknell as lockdown has really helped them breed in relative peace with closed properties with poor waste management practices providing them with plentiful food and shelter.

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“The problem we have right now is that rats are trying to bed down for Winter, and this will happen when we get a few cold snaps.

"The main thing to remember is rats need food and shelter to breed, so any food source should be quickly cleaned away – keeping bin and yard areas clean and tidy is key to keeping rats under control."

For more information, pest.co.uk.